Adventures in the Animal Kingdom
Familljefestival Circus
26. & 27.04. 2025
«Fabled» tales and circus art, brightly colourful musical inspiration: the Philharmonie’s programmes for young audiences
Animals rule supreme in the young people’s programmes at the Philharmonie this season. Elephants, rodents, big and small heroes with plush fur and unique culinary talents, reindeer and their ilk (or would that be elk?) without whom Christmas would not be complete, dying swans, and plenty of other furry and feathered friends!
Where would fairy-tales, the theatre and of course music be without protagonists from the animal kingdom? We know them as representatives of all-too-human foibles, giving concrete shape to the lessons of the fables, and as adorable companions, trusted and beloved by not only the younger audience members. This season, animals take centre stage in the Education Department’s programme,
not only at the Familljefestival, focusing on the world of the circus. Classics such as Camille Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals, performed in a Luxembourgish version, or Francis Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant stand next to younger cinema stars such as Rémy the Rat (Ratatouille). Appearing on various Philharmonie stages, they invite young listeners and accompanying adults into a world in which animals do not only speak, but also sing and dance, console, encourage or simply entertain. Tailored for the age group in question, these concerts combine musical experiences and the satisfaction of childish curiosity, which will also be stimulated by the multiple workshops on offer.
Animal heroes have always been part of music history, composers of course have their favourites too.
Tatjana Mehner